One trend that emerged from the survey is that of "better informed purchasing decisions." A majority of millennials want to know where their food comes from and how it is sourced. Transparency in food sourcing is important to more than 65% of millennials, particularly for fresh meat and seafood.

In this interactive session, Mintel will test your knowledge of mainstream consumers and discuss products that succeed—and fail—with this key demographic group.

While soy protein and beverage consumption has risen among millennials, industry trends among all age demographics show potential for market growth as consumers prioritize healthy food choices and sustainably produced foods. The plant-based foods category grew by 20% between 2017 and 2018, outpacing sales of all retail foods by 10-times.

The term “clear labeling” (which Innova Market Insights coined for its 2015 Top Ten Trends listing) has now fully entered industry parlance. It’s used in several marketing campaigns and each day, manufacturers continuing voicing their commitment to clean label platforms.

IRI’s EVP of Market & Shopper Intelligence Larry Levin, and Randi Kronthal-Sacco, Senior Scholar, Marketing and Corporate Outreach, NYU Center for Sustainable business will share the impact and importance of driving new sustainable products. 

‘These shifts highlight the importance of ongoing innovation in this marketplace,’ said Lu Ann Williams, Director of Innovation at Innova Market Insights. ‘Convenient formats are now important for many consumers, while the rise of dinner usage suggests interest in more indulgent, dessert style yogurts.’

While low calorie and low carb were at one time benchmarks for health food, attention has shifted to a greater focus on low/no sugar or low/no added sugars. Sugar is an ingredient in many packaged breakfast foods, especially cereal and breakfast pastries.

“In recent years we’ve seen fruit juice and dairy companies counter attrition by advancing health positioning with organic, natural ingredient, and low sugar claims," said David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. While water marketers are finding ways to put both fun and flavor into a plain yet reputably healthy product without sacrificing what makes water the beverage many parents prefer for their children.”

Only 21.6% of US households are purchasing meat alternatives, but that’s up 1.6% from last year.

Make plans to attend the New Products Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Chicago’s Swissotel. Think you know enough about sustainability? Here are just three NPC sessions guaranteed to about deliver even deeper insights.